Goodrich-Messier License Bars Use of FAA-approved Parts

Operators that subscribe to Goodrich-Messier publications must sign an agreement that precludes the use of FAA-approved wheel and brake parts manufactured under FAA Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) regulations. The agreement also notes that use of PMA parts voids Goodrich-Messier warranties and that operators using FAA-approved PMA parts instead of Goodrich-Messier-made parts “do so at their own risk and take full responsibility for all property damage, personal injury or death caused by such replacement parts.” PMA parts are FAA-approved modification and replacement parts manufactured to the same quality or more stringent standards that apply to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The restrictions in Goodrich-Messier’s subscription agreement are a problem, according to Jason Dickstein, president of the Modification and Replacement Parts Association (Marpa), because FAR 145.109(d) mandates use of maintenance manuals by repair stations. Mechanics and repair stations can use FAA-approved PMA parts, but if they subscribe to Goodrich-Messier’s manuals, then they must agree not to use PMA parts. So maintainers effectively cannot comply with FAA regulations to use the manuals while using FAA-approved PMA parts. “The FAA’s regulations should not be used as a fulcrum for leveraging companies into unnatural monopoly positions in existing competitive markets among competitors who are all in full compliance with the FAA’s regulations,” Dickstein wrote in a blog post.